Pensions agency CEO Kedibone Madiehe fired after disciplinary, Godongwana confirms

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandKedibone Madiehe, CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency, was suspended this week amid allegations of procurement misconduct involving contracts exceeding R1bn. Picture: Supplied Story audio is generated using AI

The CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), Kedibone Madiehe, has been dismissed following a disciplinary hearing linked to alleged procurement irregularities.

Finance minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed the dismissal in a parliamentary question-and-answer response to DA MP Andrew Gordon Bateman, who sought an update on disciplinary proceedings arising from forensic investigations into alleged procurement irregularities at the agency.

Bateman also asked whether the outcomes of the disciplinary processes had been referred to law-enforcement agencies and, if not, why not.

Godongwana said one disciplinary hearing had been concluded, while two others were at advanced stages.

“The chair of the hearing delivered a dismissal sanction against the former CEO of GPAA, effective from September 8. The former CEO has referred her dismissal to both the bargaining council and the CCMA, which will be contested,” he said.

Madiehe’s dismissal followed findings of serious procurement irregularities and misconduct arising from several forensic investigations initiated by the Treasury.

Her disciplinary hearing … began on February 2. She was found guilty on August 24, with the chair pronouncing a dismissal sanction on September 7

The investigations were launched in response to allegations, whistle-blower tip-offs and media reports concerning the GPAA’s procurement of:

Madiehe had been placed on precautionary suspension while the allegations were investigated. Her disciplinary hearing, chaired by a retired high court judge and with both parties legally represented, began on February 2. She was found guilty on August 24, with the chair pronouncing a dismissal sanction on September 7.

Godongwana subsequently gave effect to the sanction in terms of the Public Service Act, and a dismissal letter was issued to Madiehe on September 8.

“Allowing the disciplinary process to gain traction assisted in consolidating evidence, which was considered prudent

Meanwhile, Godongwana said the department had prioritised internal disciplinary proceedings before referring the matters to law enforcement authorities.

“Allowing the disciplinary process to gain traction assisted in consolidating evidence, which was considered prudent,” he said.

He also said that the referral of the matters to the appropriate law enforcement authorities was being finalised for their consideration and any further action they deemed necessary.

In the interim, GPAA deputy director-general for corporate services, Job Stadi Mngomezulu, will continue serving as acting CEO until the recruitment process to fill the position has been completed.

Godongwana said the acting CEO had also been instructed to ensure that governance arrangements and mitigation measures were immediately considered and implemented to restore the agency to a sound footing and ensure good governance.

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